It is 2018, not 1818, and horse-drawn carriages exist in direct discord with modern city landscapes. This is painful, dangerous, and traumatic for horses forced to pull carriages through city traffic. Standing stationary in sub-freezing weather while awaiting the next fare, collapsing in the summer heat, being tethered to a heavy carriage while weaving through aggressive, scary traffic––all while inhaling exhaust fumes from cars inches away from their noses.

There is nothing 'charming' or 'romantic' about this industry. These horses suffer from early lameness, respiratory disease, constant exhaustion and spooking (which can lead to accidents and injury.) They often live in deplorable conditions off-duty. Animal protection guidelines are frequently violated by the carriages companies; even the most basic comforts are often not afforded to the struggling horses. The horses did not give their consent to working long, painful hours each day. They do not benefit from doing this highly stressful work until the day they collapse. We must protect them by banning this cruel practice.

Berlin is considered a relatively progressive city, yet this is what tourists see and experience when they visit. The slavery and exploitation of horses in and around the city is a sore sight and an embarrassment for Berlin.

There are plenty of viable and far more charming alternatives into which this tourist industry can transition, like beautiful classic cars (even electric ones) and human-driven carriages that are horseless and cruelty-free. As for the horses, they deserve to retire and live the rest of their lives at safe and secure horse sanctuaries, and we will make sure these new homes are arranged for them.

Many cities around the world––including, most recently, Barcelona––have already banned and condemned the use of horse-drawn carriages. This shameful and exploitative industry must be similarly banned in Berlin.